SOUTH Ayrshire's education department is to give what support it can to unmarried religious education teacher Kathleen Johnston, who is said to be pregnant by Roman Catholic priest Father Douglas Hutchison.
The priest has resigned from his Ayrshire parish, and both were away from their homes yesterday after news of their affair broke.
Father Tom Connelly, spokesman for the Catholic Church, confirmed yesterday that Father Hutchison had left St Bride's Church in West Kilbride. ''He did the honourable thing and resigned a few weeks ago,'' he said.
The teacher, Miss Kathleen Johnston, is said to be four months pregnant. Her job at the 800-pupil Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr is safe.
A council spokesman said: ''It's a private matter and there will be no implications for the teacher from the council.
''She informed the head teacher about the situation and, if anything, the council will actually offer support to her.
''If the Catholic Church itself or the school board has a difficulty with it then that is something we will deal with.
''She will obviously be entitled to take maternity leave.''
Neighbours in Troon were surprised by the relationship.
One said yesterday: ''I live in the same block and I had seen a man visiting but I am shocked to think it was a priest.
''Kathleen is a good neighbour and I hope everything works out for her. I would never say anything against her.''
The revelation follows other relationship scandals involving churchmen. A priest in Kirkcudbright resigned after allegations of involvement with a religious education teacher, and Bishop Roddy Wright resigned after fathering a child with one woman, and setting up home with another.
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